Genetic divergence, genetic advance and heritability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genetic diversity analysis was done on eighty one local accessions and elite varieties of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) on eleven characters. ANOVA revealed significant difference among genotypes for all characters except seed weight per capsule. High GCV and PCV estimates were observed for seed yield per plant, capsules per plant and plant height, while the branches per plant, capsule length, 1000 seed weight and seeds per capsule recorded moderate values, while low GCV and PCV values were observed for oil content, days to maturity and days to 50 per cent flowering. High heritability and genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant, capsules per plant, plant height, number of branches per plant, capsule length, seeds per capsule and 1000 seed weight. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance was recorded for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity and oil content. Seed weight per capsule recorded low heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean. With the help of Mahalanobis's D² statistics, all the genotypes were clustered into seven groups. Cluster V was the largest with 24 genotypes followed by cluster II (19), I (17), VI (15). while remaining clusters were with two genotypes each. The study revealed D² values from 25.05 to 1525.16, indicating significant divergence in the genotypes.